Adam Gilchrist makes some striking comments about Ben Stokes

England all-rounder Ben Stokes is in a very precarious position, with his teammates preparing for the Ashes series without him.

The 26-year-old is currently under police investigation after he was arrested for his role in a brawl outside a nightclub in Bristol.

Andrew Strauss and the ECB are yet to make a final decision on whether or not Stokes will take part in Australia.

Steven Finn, 28, made his test debut in 2010 and has been called up to replace one of England's key men on the plane.

“Steven is a high-quality cricketer with considerable experience of both international cricket and Australian conditions,” Strauss explained. “The selectors believe he will add to the range of options and the squad will be further supported by the arrival of the Lions in Australia in November.

"We have spoken to Ben and assured him that our decision in no way prejudges the outcome of the ongoing police investigation or cricket discipline commission process.”

Gilchrist's emphatic comments about Stokes

"Andrew Strauss is cricket director at the ECB. I know for sure, knowing him, that he’d be reluctant to send Ben Stokes (to play in the Ashes) but I think they know how valuable he is to this team. He’s three players. Without doubt (he’s their best player), when you look at everything," Gilchrist said on the Back Page Live on Saturday.

"Shane Warne was the best cricketer I ever played with or against because he was the best bowler (and) his batting was very, very handy. He was the best slip fielder, so that’s three players — and Stokes is very much in that category. His high score is 250 odd with the bat, six for forty odd are his best bowling figures and he’s a great fielder.

“And he’s well liked in the group, so that will be playing on everyone’s mind. He’s well liked. Australian players who have played with him in the IPL say that he’s a good bloke, a guy who would do anything for you.”

Comparisons to Warne - one of the finest bowlers in the history of the sport - seem a little far-fetched but it's hard to deny that he's an integral part of England's side.

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